Here we cast the TLE Spotlight on Spain’s first and only Park Hyatt property and one of the best luxury hotels in Mallorca.
Think of a typical Park Hyatt, and probably you imagine an urban luxury hotel, much like the group’s iconic property in Tokyo, as seen in the cult movie Lost in Translation. Yet Hyatt’s flagship 5-star brand also includes secluded resorts, the newest of which has recently opened on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca. So I headed over to the Balearics to see for myself what the Park Hyatt Mallorca has to offer – writes Andrew Forbes.
Village Resort
This sprawling resort, tucked into the hillside overlooking the Canyamel valley in the north east of the island, has been built in a timeless style. Admittedly it will take a year or two for the extensive gardens to begin to mature, yet the classic architecture and abundant native planting means that before long this resort will take on the look & feel of an established hilltop village – albeit a very luxurious and manicured one!
There are three outdoor pools (including one for adults only). When I visited it did not seem that there were enough seats or sunbeds for the number of hotel rooms – so the pool areas might be crowded in summer. There are also terraced gardens, courtyards and cloisters. The property still feels very new, having been open merely months – so the features like the village square and clock tower echo the style of a theme park – in my opinion as the resort softens into its environment and is embraced more by the nature around it, the Park Hyatt Mallorca will be more established and therefore feel more authentic. The resort village is spread out, and getting from the restaurants and facilities back to your room means strolling up meandering lanes and climbing steps; so you might want to take advantage of the free buggy service.
Accommodation
I stayed in a standard guest room and it was exceptionally well designed and equipped – in my humble opinion it is amongst the best standard luxury rooms on the island. The latest in-room technology included a guest-use tablet for local information and hotel services; fast, free WiFi internet; wireless Bose loudspeaker; easy-to-use smart lighting and room controls; Nespresso machine and a well-presented bar; separate seating area; private terrace; and a bathroom that was elegant and luxurious, including a discreet TV in the mirror.
There are 126 guest rooms, 14 suites, 2 Presidential Suites, as well as residences for families. Looking at the size of the property, I believe it’s also a real estate project with private vacation homes onsite for purchase.
Dining
The restaurants had a slightly generic design to them; one could be in a resort in Dubai or the States. Yet once you order it’s clear that this is the Mediterranean. I dined at the Spanish Tapas Bar, with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef David Garcia. I pulled up a stool at the bar and was soon impressed by the talent of the team and their passion for the local produce. One of the advantages of an international brand like Park Hyatt is that they can source talent from across their global network, and in the resort’s restaurants you will find multilingual, experienced staff. Our waiter Vicente was superb; knowledgeable about the menu and the produce, as well as being friendly and welcoming.
I particularly enjoyed the Almond & Coconut soup, with tomato tartar & spicy calamari; and the grilled scallops with smoked butter, crab, and creamy Iberico sauce. The meat served on the charcoal grills was perfectly prepared.
Additional dining options include the The Balearic Restaurant, offering breakfast and local all-day dining.
On the hotel square is the Café Sa Plaça, an all-day bistro; and for gourmet dining there is the Asia restaurant, with a menu showcasing dishes from China, India, Indonesia and Thailand.
Spa
The resort’s Serenitas Spa is one of the property’s highlights. Treatment rooms are spacious and have private terraces for summer treatments.
Families, Events, Weddings
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Park Hyatt Mallorca, as it’s a little isolated in the north east of the island, far from the capital, and not close to the beach either. I was also concerned that I might find it too artificial and contrived – yet I left feeling that I had really enjoyed my short stay. The service was excellent, amongst the best I’ve experienced on the island, reflecting Park Hyatt’s staff training and international standards. What’s more the property’s presentation and style is polished and professional – it’s genuinely hard to fault it. If you’re looking for a resort for a care-free multi-generational holiday; or a smart wedding venue; or somewhere for an incentive event, then I think this place will certainly fit the bill. I also think it would make a good option for a two-centre holiday on Mallorca; spend a few nights in a city boutique hotel in Palma and then come up here for a luxe resort experience. Well, I certainly look forward to returning.
